West Virginia Democrat. [volume] (Charles Town, W. Va.) 1885-1890, 1887-06-03

composed of the officials OF that cor
roration. Let the public consider
what was likely to be the profit of
this Agency and what was likely to
be the profit of the owner of the
property. Let the public consider
what would be the present condition
of the country along the c. & o. if
our home population had been able
to use the railroad on an equality
with those who were interested in
this Agency.
In reading this testimony no one
can fail to observe the difficulty that
is always encountered whenever any
attempt is made to bring before the
people facts which railroad man
ayers wish kept secret. In this con
ncction three things should always
bc remembered:
/. The railroad managers have in
their employ the ablest talent money
can secure;-and the public using
the road furnish the money to pay
for this talent
, The moment any man of recog-
nizcd capacity evinces 4 determine
ton to render efficient service to
protect the public against such a
wrong, that man is singled out and
against him Is at once arrayed the
most powerful influences that ever
existed in any country.
3. The chief aim of the railroad
managers is to exclude from the
public service and to exclude from
the ears of the people true and ca
pable men who are willing and able
to do their duty in the Legislature
or in Congress.
When these three things are re
membered, it is surprising that this
investigation uneaI thed even the few
facts that were brought to light, and
when we consider that our modern
politicians, with very rare EXCEPTIONS,
stand i'm mortal dread of the railroad
influence: when we consider that
almost the entire newspaper press of
this State is always silent upon
matters which the railroad man
a2erS wish kept from the people, it is
not at all surprising that the testi-
mony, printed, IN 1881, made no
Judgment on the public ear. EXpe-
pcrience proves that in West Vir-
ginia any proposition for the benefit
of our native population falls still
born, whereas, any proposition to
strip them Of their property for the
benefit of strangers is hailed us
progress and as enterprise But the
question comes back to thoughtful
men. where will this lead to, and
what will bc the condition of our ma
tive population unless some new
method and new policy be speedily
adopted.
The following extracts from the
testimony will give some idea of the
effect this agency had on local enter
prise.
Mr.. Faulkner testified:
sold my coal to the best advan
tase until after the creation OF the
Agency but have been compelled to
sell toit since 1878. Although / have
$4,000 to $4,000 in the business
and have employed from fifty to sew
entv hands, | have lost during that
time about 900 counting nothing
at all for my personal services. l
could not live were it not for the
profit on the store that l keep for
the accommodation of the miners. 1t
is the same case with all the opera
tors in gas coal in that region. No
man can ship to the Eastern mar
kctS at the regular rates on the c. d
o. and make q profit. When the
price of coal rises the company raises
the freight. The agency is enabled
to monopolize the wholecoa trade of
the kanawha and New River region.
II a man does not ship through the
agency his rates are so high that he
cannot ship at profit. The agency
can "tabOo" any one who offends
them. 1t is generally understood
that some men are favorites and get
cars without trouble while others
cannot. These men are Of course
satisfied. Capt w. r. Johnson is
considered one of the favOriteS. He
can always get plenty of cars when